Apple (NASDAQ: AAPL) has e-mailed the tech press invites to a media event next Tuesday titled "Let's Rock" with an image of a man jumping in the air while he listens to an iPod. And one more bit of text, "playing soon."

The invite just about confirms rumors that have swirled for some time that Apple plans to release new versions of its popular music player. Two analysts quoted by Reuters said they expect Apple to announce price reductions in its iPod Touch device because it sells for more ($299) than the more full-featured iPhone ($199, plus monthly service charges).